Casual Shoe Lace Length Guide
Casual shoes look best when the laces feel balanced. The right laces should tie easily, sit neatly and suit the shape of the shoe without looking bulky. When casual shoe laces are too short, they can be awkward to tighten and difficult to tie. When they are too long, they can make even a simple everyday shoe look untidy.
Most casual shoes use 60cm to 100cm laces. Some bulkier or mid-cut casual styles may need 100cm to 120cm laces. Most kids’ casual shoes use 60cm to 75cm laces, while many adult casual shoes use 75cm to 100cm laces.
Casual shoes sit between sneakers and dress shoes in both style and lace requirements. This category includes canvas shoes, smart-casual lace-ups, school shoes and simple everyday footwear. Because the category is broad, the right lace length depends on the shape of the shoe, the number of eyelet pairs and how neat you want the finished look to be.
Casual Shoe Lace Length Chart
| Casual Shoe Type / Eyelet Count | Recommended Shoelace Length |
|---|---|
| Small kids’ casual shoes | 60cm |
| Kids’ casual shoes | 75cm |
| Older kids’ casual shoes | 75cm to 90cm |
| Youth casual shoes | 90cm to 100cm |
| 3 eyelet pairs | 60cm |
| 4 eyelet pairs | 75cm |
| 5 eyelet pairs | 75cm to 90cm |
| 6 eyelet pairs | 90cm to 100cm |
| 7 eyelet pairs / mid-cut casual shoes | 100cm to 120cm |
The strongest supporting lengths are 60cm laces, 75cm laces, 90cm laces, 100cm laces and 120cm laces, alongside the main Flat Shoelaces and School Laces collections.
How to Choose the Right Casual Shoe Lace Length
The best casual shoe lace length usually comes down to eyelet count, shoe profile and styling preference.
A minimal, low-profile casual shoe usually needs fewer laces than a bulkier school shoe. A compact four-eyelet shoe will need less lace than a mid-cut casual style with six or seven pairs of eyelets. If you want a smaller, neater bow, the shorter suitable option will usually look better. If the shoe has a padded tongue or opens wider across the foot, the longer option is often the better choice.
Casual Shoe Lace Sizes from Kids to Adults
Small kids’ casual shoes often suit 60cm laces. Standard kids’ casual shoes usually suit 75cm laces, while older kids’ and youth styles may move into 90cm laces or 100cm laces.
Adult minimal everyday shoes may suit 60cm laces or 75cm laces. Standard adult casual lace-ups usually suit 75cm laces or 90cm laces. Bulkier casual shoes and school shoes often suit 100cm laces. Mid-cut casual styles often suit 120cm laces.
Best Lace Type for Casual Shoes
Flat Shoelaces are one of the best all-around options for casual shoes. They work especially well for canvas shoes, school shoes and everyday lace-ups. For smarter casual footwear, a slimmer flat lace can also work well. The key is to keep the lace neat and proportionate to the shoe.
When to Choose a Longer Casual Lace
Choose the longer option if the shoe opens wide, has a padded tongue, has a bulkier upper, has wider-than-average eyelet spacing, or is worn with a looser fit.
When to Choose a Shorter Casual Lace
Choose the shorter option if the shoe is sleek and low-profile, styled for a neat, smart-casual finish, has closely spaced eyelets, or suits a compact bow with less-visible lace.
Frequently Asked Questions - Casual Shoe Lace Length Guide
What length shoelaces do casual shoes need?
Are 75cm laces good for casual shoes?
What size laces do kids’ casual shoes need?
Most kids’ casual shoes use 60cm to 75cm laces, while older kids’ shoes may need 75cm to 90cm.
Are flat laces good for casual shoes?
Do canvas shoes use shorter laces than sneakers?
What is the best lace length for school shoes?
Can I use flat laces in all casual shoes?
Should casual shoe laces sit short or long?
The right lace for casual shoes should look neat, tie comfortably, and suit the shape of the shoe without excess. Most casual shoes are shorter than sneakers or boots, with the final choice depending on eyelet count, shoe profile, and the type of finish you want. To shop the best options for canvas shoes, school shoes and everyday lace-ups, browse our Flat Shoelaces and School Laces. For more help across other footwear types, see our Sneaker Lace Length Guide, Dress Shoe Lace Length Guide and Boot Lace Length Guide.